Raw Shaved Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the crunchy texture of raw shredded Brussels sprouts with the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to add more greens to your diet!
Why You’ll Love Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Fresh and Crunchy: This salad offers a delightful crunch from the raw, shredded Brussels sprouts, making each bite refreshing. The texture is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of crispiness in their salads.
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The combination of dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar dressing creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile. This contrast of tastes makes the salad exciting and delicious.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is perfect for busy days. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Nutrient-Rich: Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and minerals, while cranberries add a dose of antioxidants. This salad is not only tasty but also a great way to nourish your body.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this salad by adding nuts, cheese, or other vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients For Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Shaved (or Shredded) Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and crunchy, they form the base of the salad.
- Dried Cranberries: Add a sweet and chewy contrast to the crisp Brussels sprouts.
- Olive Oil: Used to make the dressing, adding a smooth and rich flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a tangy taste that complements the sweetness of the cranberries and the freshness of the Brussels sprouts.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Mixing Bowl: For tossing the Brussels sprouts with the dressing.
- Whisk: To combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a smooth dressing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Salad Tongs: For easily mixing and serving the salad.
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How To Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until they are well combined.
- Add Brussels Sprouts: Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts into the bowl with the dressing, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Incorporate Cranberries: Mix in the dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad as a light main course with a slice of crusty bread.
- Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced meal.
- Holiday Table: Add this salad to your holiday menu as a fresh and healthy side dish.
- Picnic or Potluck: It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings because it travels well and doesn’t require refrigeration.
- Garnish: Top with some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have black spots.
- Shave Brussels Sprouts Thinly: For the best texture, shave the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible. You can use a mandoline slicer, a food processor with a slicing blade, or a sharp knife.
- Balance the Dressing: The ratio of olive oil to balsamic vinegar is important for a balanced flavor. Adjust to your taste, but the typical ratio is 1:1. If you find the dressing too tangy, add a bit more olive oil or a touch of honey.
- Add Cranberries Last: To maintain their chewy texture, add the dried cranberries just before serving. This prevents them from becoming too soft from the dressing.
- Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to add other ingredients like toasted nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of cheese (like Parmesan or feta) to add more flavor and texture.
- Let it Sit: For a more flavorful salad, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This allows the Brussels sprouts to absorb the flavors better.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best served fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing and the shaved Brussels sprouts separate and combine them just before serving.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Incorporate toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds also make a great addition.
- Cheese Options: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan can add a creamy and tangy element to the salad. These cheeses pair well with the sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the balsamic dressing.
- Fruit Additions: Fresh fruit like apple slices, pear slices, or pomegranate seeds can add a refreshing sweetness and a juicy texture to the salad.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial salad, add grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu. This turns the salad into a filling main dish.
- Different Dressings: Experiment with other dressings like honey mustard, lemon vinaigrette, or even a creamy yogurt-based dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil can add a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle in some black pepper, garlic powder, or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Mix-Ins: Add other vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onions, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the salad.
- Dried Fruit Substitutes: If you don’t have cranberries, dried cherries, raisins, or currants are great alternatives. They provide the same sweet and chewy texture.
- Oil Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use avocado oil or walnut oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor and nutritional profile.
- Vinegar Variations: Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used in place of balsamic vinegar for a different tangy twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Keep Dressing Separate: If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing and the salad ingredients separate until just before serving. This will prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy.
- Re-mixing: If the salad has been stored with the dressing, give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the ingredients.
- Refreshing the Salad: Add a bit of extra dried cranberries or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving leftovers to enhance the flavors.
- Serving Cold: This salad is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator. There’s no need to reheat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I shave Brussels sprouts?
To shave Brussels sprouts, you can use a mandoline slicer, a food processor with a slicing blade, or a sharp knife. Make sure to remove any outer leaves that are damaged or discolored. If using a knife, cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise, then slice them thinly.
Are shaved and shredded Brussels sprouts the same thing?
They are very similar and taste pretty much identical, so these terms are often used interchangeably for this recipe. If you want to be picky about technicalities, the difference is in the technique – shaved is very thinly sliced (typically accomplished with a mandoline) and shredded is exactly what it sounds like – shredded in very small pieces, typically with a food processor.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?
Frozen Brussels sprouts are not recommended for this salad because they tend to be too soft and watery once thawed. Fresh Brussels sprouts provide the best texture and crunch for this raw salad.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or currants. These alternatives will provide a similar sweet and chewy texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and combine it with the shaved Brussels sprouts and dried cranberries just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This salad is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based balsamic vinegar. Ensure all your ingredients, including any optional add-ins like nuts or seeds, are vegan-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onions, or bell peppers can add more color and nutrients to the salad. Feel free to customize it to your taste.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this salad as it has a richer flavor and is less processed than other types of olive oil. However, any high-quality olive oil will work.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to consume the salad fresh.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Shave the Brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing separately and combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Other Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Carrots: Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious side dish with perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots, seasoned to perfection.
Pan Fried Shaved Brussels Sprouts: These sautéed shaved Brussels sprouts are tender, flavorful, and make a quick, healthy side dish.
Crispy Air Fryer Shaved Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and delicious, these air fryer shaved Brussels sprouts are a perfect healthy snack or side dish.
Air Fried Smashed Brussels Sprouts: Smashed Brussels sprouts become irresistibly crispy and delicious when cooked in the air fryer.
Garlic Sauteed Brussels Sprouts: Simple and tasty, these sautéed Brussels sprouts are lightly caramelized for a deliciously savory side dish.
Pressure Cooker Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Quickly cook frozen Brussels sprouts to tender perfection in the Instant Pot for a convenient and healthy side dish.
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Enjoy perfectly cooked frozen Brussels sprouts straight from the air fryer, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups shaved brussels sprouts
- 1/4 cup dries cranberries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
- Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the dried cranberries and toss again to mix.
- Serve immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to your taste.
- You can add other ingredients like nuts or cheese for additional flavor and texture.
Nutrition
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